Minnesota Vikings DL Christian Ballard (hamstring) was held out of practice Tuesday, Aug. 7, due to tightness in his hamstring. Head coach Leslie Frazier said the move was precautionary, and the team hopes to have him back by Friday, Aug. 10.

The Minnesota Vikings expect DL Christian Ballard to take a big step forward in 2012. General manager Rick Spielman said Sunday, March 25, that Ballard is "going to be a heck of a player and continues to make a jump."